On April 27, 2023, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) revised its Student Leave Regulations, adding a new category—Mental Health Leave—effective from the 2023–2024 academic year. This allows students in need of psychological respite to take time off, with a limit of five days per semester. After submitting a request through the online system, students automatically receive a care message and related counseling information. Advisors and department faculty will provide priority follow-up care, while the Student Counseling Center will offer additional counseling support when necessary.
NPUST is a nurturing community dedicated to safeguarding the physical and mental well-being of its students and faculty. As mental health education gains recognition across society and educational institutions, the purpose of establishing Mental Health Leave is to encourage students to recognize and acknowledge when their hearts are “raining,” allowing faculty to better understand their emotional state. Most importantly, it communicates this message to students in need: “We care, and we are here to listen.”
Chief Secretary Wen-Ling Shih stated: “The primary purpose of introducing Mental Health Leave is to give students the chance to pause when they encounter setbacks or feel emotionally overwhelmed, and to acknowledge their negative emotions. Creating a safe and healthy campus environment is NPUST’s top priority, enabling parents to feel assured and students to enjoy a youthful and vibrant college life while receiving professional education. Mental Health Leave carries great significance, and we hope its implementation will strengthen awareness and understanding of mental-health education among all faculty and students.”
Director of the Student Counseling Center, Pei-Ju Liao, added: “When you’re mentally exhausted, it’s okay to rest. When you feel vulnerable, that’s okay too. When you fail, lie down for a moment and regain strength. Mental Health Leave is not only a learning opportunity for students but also a life lesson for all faculty and staff. When someone around us needs a break, we can shelter them from the storm. Likewise, when we are the ones feeling fragile, we know that those around us will give us space to breathe.”
In recent years, mental-health issues have gained increasing societal concern. Many university students experience anxiety or depression due to academic pressure, interpersonal relationships, or career planning. To support students’ mental well-being, the Student Association proposed the establishment of Mental Health Leave, which was later approved by the Academic Affairs Council—reflecting growing student awareness of mental health. To ensure comprehensive support, the Student Association worked actively with university units to develop complementary measures.
Leave taking is only the “first step” in mental-health support. Through short breaks, students may better regulate their emotions, allowing counseling staff to reach out when appropriate. The promotion of Mental Health Leave also aims to enhance mental-health awareness, helping students recover from emotional setbacks and maintain their momentum forward.
NPUST strongly supports the Student Association in implementing Mental Health Leave, emphasizing that universities should not only cultivate professional knowledge and skills but also foster empathy and care for others. As technology advances and educational systems evolve, universities have a responsibility to guide and protect students by helping them recognize their own physical and mental states and by providing follow-up counseling services.
Through the establishment of the Mental Health Leave mechanism, NPUST strives to build a comprehensive campus mental-health safety net and a friendly, supportive environment. When students’ hearts are drenched by heavy rain, the university will always be there—offering a hand, walking with them through the wind and rain, and moving forward together.
